EPDM Sometimes called EPT. EPDM has excellent ozone resistance and chemical resistance, especially with ketones, oxygenated solvents, acids, UV cured inks and water. EPDM is also heat resistant to 350° F. It is typically used where its chemical and temperature capabilities are required such as coating applications.
Hypalon Hypalon has good physical characteristics along with good chemical resistance, excellent resistance to ozone, alkalis and acids. The maximum heat resistance is up to 300° F. Hypalon is ideal for Corona Treaters and various applications.
Natural Rubber Commonly over looked, but has good abrasion characteristics with excellent tear resistance and resiliency. Best used for nip applications that have highly abrasive webs or conveyor type rolls. Chemically Natural Rubber works best with Esters, Glycols and ketones.
Neoprene Considered a good choice for general purposes applications. It has good mechanical properties, good chemical resistance, abrasion and high resilience. It is excellent for mechanical rolls and for flexo water based inks. Nitrile Also known as NBR or Buna-N. Nitrile has good resistance to oils, chemicals and water. Carboxilated Nitrile is a modified Nitrile rubber with added properties such as, outstanding abrasion resistance and other physical characteristics, including tensile strength. Hydrogenated Nitrile has better resiliency characteristics and can withstand the highest heat of all the Nitrile family. But the down fall it is the most expensive. Nitrile is excellent for printing rolls and oil resistant applications.
Polyurethane Polyurethane rubber is available in two basic chemical types, polyester and Polyether. Polyester Polyurethane is a tough elastomer with good chemical and solvent resistance while Polyethers work better in applications that come in contact with water. Polyurethane has an outstanding resistance to abrasion, cuts, wear, tear and a very high tensile strength. An excellent choice for mechanical rolls, wheels and highly abrasive applications. Silicone Silicone rubber is known for high temperature (500° F) capability and high release characteristics. Silicone also has good chemical resistance and excellent ozone resistance. It is the elastomer of choice for high temperature and fast release applications. Silicone is not known for the best wear characteristics. A higher strength Silicone can be formulated for better abrasion resistance, but it is a little more expensive
Viton Viton is known for its excellent chemical resistance and high temperature (500° F) capability. Viton is extremely expensive and mostly used only when everything else has failed.